Best Surfboards for Intermediate Surfers Leveling Up Your Ride

Best Surfboards for Intermediate Surfers Leveling Up Your Ride.So you've got the basics down—you're popping up with confidence, trimming along the face, maybe even attempting your first turns. Welcome to the intermediate zone. This is where the real fun begins, and the board you ride can make all the difference in how fast you progress.

Choosing the right surfboard as an intermediate surfer means finding the sweet spot between stability and performance. You want a board that lets you improve your skills without being overly forgiving. Let’s dive into what makes a great intermediate surfboard and highlight some top picks.

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What to Look for in a Surfboard as an Intermediate

Before getting into the board recs, here are a few features to prioritize:

• Volume & Float: You still want enough volume to catch waves easily, but not so much that it feels like a beginner's log. Volume is usually measured in liters and depends on your weight, fitness, and wave type.

• Length & Shape: Slightly shorter than your beginner board. Something in the 6’6”–7’6” range often works well. A funboard or hybrid shape gives you maneuverability and wave-catching ease.

• Construction: Epoxy boards are lighter and more durable—great if you’re surfing a lot or still wiping out often. PU boards have a more traditional feel and tend to perform better on steeper waves.

• Fins Setup: Look for boards with a versatile fin system (like FCS or Futures). Being able to switch between thruster and quad setups is useful as you explore different conditions.

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Top Surfboards for Intermediate Surfers

1. Torq Mod Fun

• Best for: Versatility and progression

• Size Range: 6'8" to 7'6"

• Why it’s great: The Torq Mod Fun is one of the most popular choices for intermediates. It's durable, paddles well, and has just the right blend of stability and responsiveness. It handles a wide range of conditions, so you won't outgrow it fast.

2. Firewire Seaside

• Best for: Performance with a fun feel

• Size Range: 5’6” to 6’10”

• Why it’s great: Designed by Rob Machado, the Seaside is a performance fish that works great in smaller, punchy waves. It’s fast, loose, and turns beautifully—perfect for intermediates looking to spice things up.

3. NSP Elements Funboard

• Best for: Durability and learning on various waves

• Size Range: 6’8” to 7’6”

• Why it’s great: The NSP Elements series is known for its toughness. This board is forgiving, stable, and still maneuverable—ideal if you’re still dialing in your turns and timing.

4. Lost RNF 96 (Round Nose Fish)

• Best for: Small wave performance

• Size Range: 5’6” to 6’6”

• Why it’s great: This board brings speed and style to smaller waves. It’s a fish, but more refined—great for intermediates looking to work on their rail game without jumping into a shortboard too soon.

5. Catch Surf Odysea Log

• Best for: Having fun and staying loose

• Size Range: 7’0” to 8’0”

• Why it’s great: Okay, it’s technically a soft top—but don’t sleep on it. The Odysea Log is incredibly fun, especially on summer days with mushy waves. Great for experimenting with style and footwork, plus it’s nearly indestructible.

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Final Tips for Choosing the Right Board

• Test before you buy: If you can, rent or borrow a few different shapes to see what feels best under your feet.

• Talk to your local surf shop: They know your local breaks and can match you with a board that fits the wave and your goals.

• Think ahead: Get something you can grow into. A board that challenges you just enough will help you improve faster.

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Ready to Level Up?

The Solid surfboards produced by us are designed to achieve the highest performance, utilizing sustainable materials. All those guys and gals want to create your magic board! Fourth Surfboards work better and ride better with less harm to the environment. Organic hemp, volcanic basalt, and less toxic materials mean no more trees cut down to produce wooden stringer reinforcements, thereby minimizing the toxic fumes released during production; our foam cores and shaping waste have full 100% recycling.Choosing the best surfboard as an intermediate surfer is all about balancing comfort with challenge. Whether you’re cruising on a funboard or starting to flirt with high-performance shapes, the right board can elevate your stoke and help you unlock new levels of surfing.

Got a favorite board that helped you break through the intermediate stage? Drop it in the comments—we're always down to hear what’s working out in the lineup.

Swallow Tail Surfboards The Perfect Blend of Speed and Control

When it comes to choosing the right surfboard, tail shape plays a massive role in how your board will perform on the waves. One design that consistently stands out — especially for those looking to find the sweet spot between speed and maneuverability — is the swallow tail surfboard.

But what exactly is a swallow tail? Why do surfers love it? And is it the right choice for you?

Let’s dive in.

What Is a Swallow Tail Surfboard?

A swallow tail surfboard gets its name from — you guessed it — the shape of a swallow’s tail. Imagine the tail of a bird split down the middle into two sharp points. That’s what the tail of this board looks like.

This design isn't just for style points (though let’s be honest, it does look pretty rad). The split tail increases the board's surface area at the back while still allowing for sharper, more responsive turns.

Why Choose a Swallow Tail?

Here’s why surfers swear by the swallow tail:

1. Control in Steep Sections

The twin points on a swallow tail provide more hold in the water, which is especially helpful when surfing steep or hollow waves. This gives you more grip through your turns — almost like a mini step-up in control.

2. Added Speed

The wider tail creates lift, allowing for more speed down the line. You’ll feel it take off in smaller surf or when you’re pumping to make sections.

3. Looser Feel, But Not Sloppy

The V-shape cut-out between the two tail points makes it easier to pivot and transition rail-to-rail. You’ll notice it in snappier turns and when trying to fit into tighter pockets.

Best Conditions for Swallow Tail Surfboards

Swallow tails shine in a variety of conditions, but they’re especially great in:

• Small to medium surf: They provide added speed where you need it.
  
  

• Fast, hollow waves: The extra hold keeps you locked in.
  
  

• Beach breaks and point breaks: Good mix of control and looseness.
  
  

They’re a go-to for fish shapes, hybrids, and performance shortboards alike.

Is a Swallow Tail Right for You?

If you’re looking for a board that:

• Helps generate speed in weaker waves
  
  

• Offers a looser, skatey feel without losing control
  
  

• Works well in fast sections without sliding out…
  
  

…then a swallow tail might be your new best friend.

Whether you’re stepping up your game or just want something fun for summer sessions, it’s a super versatile choice that blends the best of both worlds.

Final Thoughts

The Solid surfboards produced by us are designed to achieve the highest performance, utilizing sustainable materials. All those guys and gals want to create your magic board! Fourth Surfboards work better and ride better with less harm to the environment. Organic hemp, volcanic basalt, and less toxic materials mean no more trees cut down to produce wooden stringer reinforcements, thereby minimizing the toxic fumes released during production; our foam cores and shaping waste have full 100% recycling.

The swallow tail design is a classic for a reason. It’s versatile, stylish, and functional — a solid choice for surfers of all levels who want more control and flow in their ride.

Next time you’re eyeing a new board, don’t sleep on the swallow tail. You might just find it’s exactly what your quiver’s been missing.